Trainer accessory

ABSTRACT

An accessory for bodyweight suspension trainers including a main strap having attachable ends for securing to a secure vertical object, such as a basketball backboard support. Suspension straps extend perpendicularly from the main strap have loops at their ends for securing bodyweight suspension straps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application 62/726,296, filed Sep. 2, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to bodyweight suspension training equipment.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Bodyweight suspension straps are utilized in the fitness industry as a means of using one's own bodyweight to create individualized and customizable workouts. Two main manufacturers of bodyweight suspension straps include Fitness Anywhere, Inc. (a/k/a “TRX”) which markets products under the “TRX” mark and SBT Core Trainer, Inc. which markets products under the “SBT” mark. These straps, which adjust in length, are attached to a non-moving surface, usually at an elevation above the user. Common places around the house where the straps can be installed include: a door or outside on a tree branch.

Inside in larger areas, most suspension straps are secured by two methods: a frame, or a mounting product. These items are designated by TRX as “S-Frame” and “X-Mount”, respectively. These two products from TRX are made from metals to achieve strength and durability requirements.

In a large-scale setting, the “S-Frame” and “X-Mount” have various limitations. The “S-Frame” is expensive due to its size and materials of construction. In addition, these frames are very heavy to allow support of multiple users. Because of this, transportation between locations is cumbersome. The “X-Mount” requires installation on a hard surface. Potentially, more resources would need to be available for installation such as labor. As a result, it could be very time consuming to install. Also, mounting devices hinder the range of motion while using bodyweight straps. Finally, transportation to various locations using mounting devices is not ideal.

Another non-moving surface, which is a less common method is installing a bodyweight suspension strap around a circular surface such as a pole. In order to achieve this, the user would have to purchase a product by TRX called the “Xtender”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device or trainer accessory permitting the installation of bodyweight suspension trainers in capacious venues, such as gymnasiums. This device provides an alternative overcoming some of the limitations of alternative frame or mounting methods. The device of the present invention is an economical alternative to a frame, and easier to set up than a mounting device. The new device is advantageously compact and very easy to transport between locations. Further, the device provides users with a full range of motion.

The present invention provides an accessory for a bodyweight suspension trainer. The accessory includes a main strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the second end; and at least one suspension strap ending perpendicularly from the main strap and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension strap being secured to the main strap, with a loop being formed at the second end of the suspension strap for securing a bodyweight suspension strap.

In one presently preferred embodiment the accessory includes loops formed at both the first end and the second end of the main strap.

In another presently preferred embodiment, the accessory includes a buckle secured at the first end of the main strap, the buckle being adapted to receive and secure the second end of the main strap. In this embodiment, a loop is preferably formed at the second end of the main strap, the loop being adapted to receive a means for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap. In this embodiment, wherein the second end of the main strap is preferably adapted to receive a zip-tie for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap.

Preferably, the main strap and the at least one suspension straps are formed from nylon webbing.

The present invention also provides a method of mounting multiple bodyweight suspension straps on a generally vertical, generally circular object, such as a tree, or an overhanging, suspended basketball net support pole. The method includes providing an accessory for bodyweight suspension trainers, the accessory comprising a main strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the second end; and at least one suspension strap extending perpendicularly from the main strap and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension strap being secured to the main strap, a loop being formed at the second end of the suspension strap for securing a bodyweight suspension strap. The method further comprises encircling the generally vertical, generally circular, object with the main strap, and attaching the first end of the main strap to the second end of the main strap. The method then includes attaching one or more bodyweight suspension straps to the suspension straps of the accessory. In one presently preferred embodiment of the process, the two ends of the main strap are attached by passing the loop at one end through the loop at the other end of the main strap, tightening the main strap around the object, and attaching a bodyweight suspension strap. In another presently preferred embodiment, the main strap is provided with a buckle secured at the first end of the main strap, and the buckle is adapted to receive and secure the second end of the main strap. The second end of the main strap is then passed through the buckle, the main strap is tightened around the object, the buckle is then secured. In another aspect, the second end of the main strap is adapted to receive a zip-tie for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap, and the process further includes securing the first end of the main strap to the second end of the main strap with a zip-tie.

The present invention also provides a method of mounting multiple bodyweight suspension straps on a generally vertical, generally circular object, such as a tree, or an overhanging, suspended basketball net support pole.

The method includes providing an accessory for bodyweight suspension trainers, the accessory comprising a main strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the second end; and at least one suspension strap ending perpendicularly from the main strap and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension strap being secured to the main strap, a loop being formed at the second end of the suspension strap for securing a bodyweight suspension strap. The method also includes encircling the generally vertical, generally circular, object with the main strap, and attaching the first end of the main strap to the second end of the main strap. Further, the method includes attaching one or more bodyweight suspension straps to the suspension straps of the accessory.

In one aspect of the present method, two ends of the main strap are attached by passing the loop at one end through the loop at the other end of the main strap, and the main strap is tightened around the object, and a bodyweight suspension strap is attached to the loop at the end of the main strap which extends through the loop at the other end.

In another aspect of the present method, the main strap is provided with a buckle secured at the first end of the main strap, and the buckle is adapted to receive and secure the second end of the main strap. In this aspect the second end of the main strap is passed through the buckle, the main strap is tightened around the object, and the buckle is then secured. Optionally, the second end of the main strap is adapted to receive a zip-tie for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap. In this case, the method further includes securing the first end of the main strap to the second end of the main strap with a zip-tie.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a trainer accessory of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the trainer accessory taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a trainer accessory of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top fragmentary view of the trainer accessory of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The device is particularly advantageous in school settings, where physical education teachers need an alternative to installing multiple straps for their students. While a gymnasium is a favored location for the device, the device can be employed in other venues.

The device is intended to be wrapped around and secured to a secure vertically extending object, such as the supporting post of a basketball net, a post or a tree.

In a gymnasium with basketball nets, the device is secured to the frame/pole of a basketball net support structure. With typical retractable basketball net supports designed to anchor thousands of pounds, this device will allow for multiple users.

To install, the user would loop one end of the device around the other end of the device, encircling, for example, a basketball pole. Creating a circumference, the device can encircle around any generally circular support such as a basketball pole or tree. The newly created loop will make “a choker” which will provide tension against any object. Once snug against an object, the bodyweight suspension straps can be attached to the device using conventional means, such as by using a carabiner. The only additional equipment needed is a ladder to reach the basketball net support pole.

Although frames and mounting products have their own benefits, this device is a simple alternative for both products, while using support resources that are available in most gymnasiums. The device permits teachers, coaches, and personal trainers to permit multiple participants to use bodyweight suspension straps simultaneously.

The device or accessory is preferably formed from a high-strength material such as nylon webbing, with the sundry parts of the device being stitched securely together.

Referring now to the figures in which like reference numerals represent like elements in each of the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1, a schematic front elevational view of a first embodiment of an accessory 10 for bodyweight suspension trainers according to the present invention. The first trainer accessory 10 includes a first main strap 12 having a first end 14. The main strap 12 is formed into a first loop 16 at the first end 14 and a second loop 20 at the second end 18. Extending downwardly from and perpendicular from the main strap 12 are a plurality of suspension straps 30 having each a first end 32 and a second end 34 spaced along the main strap 12. The first end 32 of the suspension straps 30 is secured to the main strap 12 by stitching 22. A loop is formed at the second end 36 of the suspension straps 30 for securing a respective bodyweight suspension strap (not shown) to each. In operation, the main strap 12 is wrapped around a secure vertically extending support, such a basketball backboard support, and the one of the loops 16, 20 formed in the main strap 12 is passed through the other loop 16, 20, and the loop which is passed through is secured by suitable means, such as with a carabiner (not shown). The loop (for example, loop 16) which is passed through the other loop (in this case, loop 20) is preferably used as another suspension strap after the accessory 10 is passed around a generally circular object, such as a basketball pole (not shown). The main strap 12 then creates a “choker” which provides tension against the generally circular object. Once the main strap 12 is snug against the general circular object, bodyweight suspension straps (not shown) can be attached to each of the loops 16, 36 formed on the suspension straps.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic front elevational view of a second embodiment of a trainer accessory 50 for bodyweight suspension trainers according to the present invention. The second accessory 50 includes a second main strap 52 having a first end 54 having secured therethrough a cam buckle 56. The main strap 52 is formed into a small loop 60 at the second end 58 (FIG. 3). Extending downwardly from and perpendicular from the main strap 52 are a plurality of suspension straps 70 having each a first end 72 and a second end 74, the suspension straps being spaced along the main strap 52. The first end 72 of the suspension straps 70 are secured to the main strap 52 by stitching 62. A loop 76 is formed at the second end 74 of the suspension straps 70 for securing a respective bodyweight suspension strap (not shown) to each. In operation, the main strap 52 is wrapped around a secure vertically extending support, such as a basketball backboard support, and the second end 58 of the main strap 52 is passed through the cam buckle 56 at the first end 54 of the main strap 52. The cam buckle 56 is then closed to secure the second end 58 of the main strap 52 to the first end 54 of the main strap 52. Preferably, as an additional measure of security, a zip-tie (not shown) is passed through the small loop 60 at the second end 58 of the main strap 52 and around the first end 54 of the main strap 52. The zip tie is then tightened to further secure the second end 58 of the main strap 52 to the first end 54 of the main strap 50.

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the trainer accessory 50 along the line I-I of FIG. 2.

Various modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the articles of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention and defined by the appended claims. 

1. An accessory for bodyweight suspension trainers, the accessory comprising: a) a main strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the second end; and b) at least one suspension strap ending perpendicularly from the main strap and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension strap being secured to the main strap by stitching, a loop being formed at the second end of the suspension strap for securing a bodyweight suspension strap.
 2. An accessory according to claim 1 wherein a loop is formed at both the first end and the second end of the main strap.
 3. An accessory according to claim 1 wherein a buckle is secured at the first end of the main strap, and the buckle is adapted to receive and secure the second end of the main strap.
 4. An accessory according to claim 3 wherein a loop is formed at the second end of the main strap, the loop being adapted to receive a means for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap.
 5. An accessory according to claim 4, wherein the second end of the main strap is adapted to receive a zip-tie for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap.
 6. An accessory according to claim 1 wherein the main strap and the at least one suspension straps are formed from nylon webbing.
 7. A method of mounting multiple bodyweight suspension straps on a generally vertical, generally circular object, such as a tree, or an overhanging, suspended basketball net support pole, the method including: a) providing an accessory for bodyweight suspension trainers, the accessory comprising a main strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the second end; and at least one suspension strap ending perpendicularly from the main strap and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension strap being secured to the main strap, a loop being formed at the second end of the suspension strap for securing a bodyweight suspension strap; b) encircling the generally vertical, generally circular, object with the main strap, and attaching the first end of the main strap to the second end of the main strap; and c) attaching one or more bodyweight suspension straps to the suspension straps of the accessory.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the two ends of the main strap are attached by passing the loop at one end through the loop at the other end of the main strap, and tightening the main strap around the object, and attaching a bodyweight suspension strap.
 9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the main strap is provided with a buckle secured at the first end of the main strap, and the buckle is adapted to receive and secure the second end of the main strap: a) the second end of the main strap is passed through the buckle, b) the main strap is tightened around the object, and c) the buckle is then secured.
 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the second end of the main strap is adapted to receive a zip-tie for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap, the method further including securing the first end of the main strap to the second end of the main strap with a zip-tie.
 11. An accessory for bodyweight suspension trainers, the accessory comprising: a) a main strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the second end; and b) at least two suspension straps ending perpendicularly from the main strap and having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the suspension straps being secured to the main strap by stitching, a loop being formed at the second end of each of the suspension strap for securing a bodyweight suspension strap.
 12. An accessory according to claim 11 wherein a loop is formed at both the first end and the second end of the main strap.
 13. An accessory according to claim 11 wherein a buckle is secured at the first end of the main strap, and the buckle is adapted to receive and secure the second end of the main strap.
 14. An accessory according to claim 13 wherein a loop is formed at the second end of the main strap, the loop being adapted to receive a means for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap.
 15. An accessory according to claim 14, wherein the second end of the main strap is adapted to receive a zip-tie for securing the second end of the main strap to the first end of the main strap.
 16. An accessory according to claim 11 wherein the main strap and the at least two suspension straps are formed from nylon webbing.
 17. An accessory according to claim 11 wherein the at least two suspension straps are spaced along the main strap. 